Binding

In the midst of the passions aroused by Babri Masjid before and after its tragic demolition by a frenzied mob, systematically and calculatedly collected under the treacherously planned protection of the state, a cool and well-documented history of subject is both surprising and sobering. This is what Jamil Akhter’s book Babri Masjid-a Tale Untold achieves.

This book is unique in the sense that it combines the author’s keen concern at the weakening of the secular intervention on the national issues and the academic documentation of the course the Babri Masjid-Ramjanambhoomi dispute has been taking.

This book, like the Hindi edition centres round discussing the role of the four pillars of Democracy-the legislature, the judiciary, the executive and the media in the Babri Masjid controversy, and analyzing how far they have been fair towards it, as the way these institutions have acted during the past years gives rise to many questions. And, I firmly believe that all the secular-minded people would agree with the points raised in this book. The reactions of the readers to the Hindi version of my book have strengthened my point further.

REVIEWS

The book, though not free form bitterness and sentimentality, has brought to light some facts related to the Barbri Masjid which were so far unknown even to intellectuals.-Dainik Hindustan April 27, 1997

Jamil Akhter has brought out starting facts which expose the communal character of centrist parties.-Rashtriya Sahara

The book is invaluable form many points of view.-National News Features Network

The book, which is an indepth study of the contentious issue of Babri Masjid-Ram Janmbhoomi has raised some basic and pinching questions.-Mr Chitranjan Singh, Vice-President, People’s Union for Civil Liberties

This book is a valuable document for social scientists.-Dr M S Ashraf, Professor in Giri Institute of Development Studies, Lucknow

Jamil Akhter’s book voices the feelings of all those who were pained to see the country’s moral, democratic and constitutional values being trampled ruthlessly.-Popular Urdu Daily Quami Awaz

Contents

FOREWORD

PREFACEGlossaryAbbreviationsUttar Pradesh at a glanceAyodhya-A FactsheetDeputy Commissioner’s ConspiracyIdols were surreptitiously, wrongly planted-govtYes, I got it lockedThe roots of Ayodhya TangleThe history of Ayodhya LitigationThere was a Judge named Pt Hari KishanCivil Judge had erred-High CourtAnd, Heavens did fallHistorian’s report t the Indian NationLanguage in the age of HindutvaDispute over shilanayasAgreementIllegal Temple-No ProblemIssues before the Court-a Daunting TaskCourt cases-Varying stands of U P govt.Idols juristic personality in question-courtExtracts from important U P govt affidavitsCriminal negligence by officersDid the Press behaveFace-to-face talksJustice Tilhari’s errorVHP questionnaire, reply and list of documents Temple movement-what a leadershipVHP’s article of non-faithReturn of Ayodhya reference to the PresidentBabri Masjid and Muslim Personal Law BoardMosque is mosque-Shia ConferenceMosque’s legal status in IndiaMosque-no immunity from acquisitionGovernment of U P - BJP periodBuild-up for demolition to abide by Sangh dictumBabri Masjid and MuslimsAyodhya demolition-bloody aftermathNotification for Judicial inquiryIndia in the dockAyodhya imbroglio-a Disaster to EconomyNation’s soul searedIndia on the crossroadsBan on RSS lifted-a govt connivanceCourt’s denial-delay of verdict caused demolitionChief Minister-punished for contemptThe goodness couldn’t last foreverGovernment only a statutory Receiver-Apex CourtCourt declines to reject Muslims only suitReport of Faizabad Waqf CommissionerConstitutional provisionsCBI ChargesheetWho’s whoAyodhya-question mew and oldBabar and Akbar-The process of IndianizationAyodhya as mythEmperor Babar’s WillSignificance of AyodhyaThe Political abuse of historyFor recalling orderNo temple demolition, preserve the deityBibliographyEditorials on framing of chargesImportant DocumentsRelated photographs